Short Answers

Question 1

Give a short account of the conflict between Gauls and Romans in the early Roman Republic,
including its dates, origins, and outcome.

Answer 1

Origin: Gauls migrate south in order to find Southern riches and luxuries AND because of overpopulation

Dates: Battle of Allia 390 BC

Outcome:
- Romans lose at the battle of Alia, then retreat into Rome. Gauls follow
- Gauls sack Rome (except Capitoline Hill)
- Night attack repelled thanks to geese who alerted the series on Palatine Hill
- Camillus makes a deal (1000 pounds of gold for Brennus, who will then leave)
-Brennus brings his own scale, heavier than standard, and takes more than 1000 pds. of gold
- When Romans challenge this, he puts his sword on the scale, saying “Vae Victis”
- Rome builds better walls subsequently
- Rome lost lots of archival material during the sacking

Question 2

Describe the so-called “mixed constitution”, explaining why it is so called and how power
came to be distributed because of it.

Answer 2

• Republican Constitution had all 3 forms of governance mixed in
• Consuls (Monarchy aspect)
  –> Two consuls to balance power (Collegiality)
  –> 1 year max terms
• Senate (Aristocratic aspect)
  –> An Advisory body, only summoned by the Consul
  –> NO power to pass laws
  –> Consuls and other magistrates were chosen by the Senate
• Popular assemblies (Democratic aspect)
  —> Concilium Plebis
  —> Comitia Curiata
  —> Comitia Tributa
  —-> They all acted as a check by being voters and jurors and approving appointments, laws and various decisions.

Question 3

What were the accomplishments and policies traditionally attributed to Romulus and how
might some of them reflect reality?

Answer 3

1. First settlement of Rome on Palatine Hill
   –> Earliest known archaeological findings in Rome are on the Palatine
2. Early Rome was ruled by a single king
3. Rome adopted a policy of integration
   —> Romulus adopted a policy of immigration
4. Formation of class divisions (Plebeian and Patrician)
5. Formation of the Senate and Popular Assemblies
   –> Both already in place by the time of the monarchy

Question 4

d) Describe the main geographic, political, military, and social factors which led to Rome
growing from a small village to an important city state during the period of the early
monarchy.

Answer 4

1. Geography
   - Isolated and defensible location
   - Access to various land and water routes, boosting trade
   - Fertile region
2. Political/Military
   - Rome adopted military techniques/equipments from others
   - Rome influenced its neighbours in Latium and farther afield
3. Social
   - Law
   - Religion
   - Writing
   - Urbanism